Drinking and Breastfeeding During the Holidays: What You Need to Know

The holidays are a time for celebration, and many moms wonder whether it’s safe to enjoy a drink while breastfeeding. Good news— According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but timing and planning are key. Let’s explore everything you need to know to enjoy the season while feeling confident about your feeding choices.

How Much Alcohol Is Safe While Breastfeeding?

It’s important to understand what “moderate drinking” means when it comes to breastfeeding. A standard drink as defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), is typically:

• 5 oz of wine
• 12 oz of beer
• 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (like vodka or whiskey)

Moderation is key—while it’s okay to have a drink, staying mindful of your intake will help ensure you’re making the best choices for both you and your baby.

It’s important to understand what “moderate drinking” means when it comes to breastfeeding. A standard drink as defined by the National Institute on

Timing Your Drink: How to Plan Ahead

If you’re planning to have a drink, timing is just as important as how much you drink. Here’s a simple guideline:

• Breastfeed or pump before you drink: This can give your baby a full feed before alcohol enters your system.
• Wait 2-3 hours per drink: This allows enough time for your body to metabolize the alcohol before your next feeding session.

Remember, pumping and dumping doesn’t clear alcohol from your system. Time is the only thing that helps your body process it. So, the best way to ensure your baby’s safety is to time your feedings thoughtfully.

Common Myths and Facts About Alcohol and Breastfeeding

It’s easy to get caught up in misinformation, so let’s clear up a few myths:

• Myth: “Pump and dump clears alcohol from milk.”
• Fact: Only time clears alcohol from your system. Pumping and dumping might relieve discomfort from engorgement, but it doesn’t remove alcohol from your milk. The only way to clear alcohol is for your body to metabolize it naturally.

Practical Tips for the Holidays

The holidays can be chaotic, so here are a few tips to help you navigate social events while breastfeeding:

• Plan ahead. If you’re going to be away from your baby, consider bringing pumped milk so you can offer it during feedings. This will also help you stay on your schedule if you’re attending events where you can’t nurse immediately.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water alongside alcohol to help your body process the alcohol more efficiently.
• Eat while drinking. Having a meal or snacks before or while drinking can slow the absorption of alcohol into your system, helping to minimize its effects.

Trust Your Instincts

Every mom’s experience and comfort level is different, so trust your instincts. Some moms choose to have a drink and some prefer to skip it altogether. Whatever you decide, the key is knowing what works best for you and your baby.